Kristine S. West, DDS, MS
Dr. Kristine S. West has practiced orthodontics since 1995. She is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis. She attended Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, graduating first in her class. Dr. West then completed her orthodontic specialty training at the distinguished Department of Orthodontics at the University of Michigan, receiving a Masters of Science degree. Her research interests include early orthodontic treatment as well as the growth of the head and face into adulthood.

A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Dr. West also maintains memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, the Michigan Dental Association, the Central District Dental Society, and the Michigan Association of Orthodontists. In addition, she is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the University of Michigan Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, teaching in the Orthodontic Graduate Program since 1996. She has lectured in several University of Michigan continuing education courses in orthodontics and has spoken at the annual meeting of the American Association of Orthodontists. Dr. West is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. West is married to Dr. Don Burkhardt, as well as being his partner in orthodontic practice. They live with their two children and their dog, Sullivan. Dr. West enjoys golfing and snow skiing when she has any spare time and also has had a lifelong interest in horses. During her childhood, she was an avid equestrian, living on a Thoroughbred horse farm and competing on the hunt seat show circuit.

Donald R. Burkhardt, DDS MS
Dr. Donald R. Burkhardt is a native of southeastern Michigan. The son of a dentist in New Baltimore, he attended De La Salle High School in Warren and then spent his undergraduate years at the University of Michigan, majoring in biology and finishing a year early. He then continued in the Michigan tradition by attending dental school in Ann Arbor, where he graduated in the top of his class, and then entered the distinguished Department of Orthodontics at the University of Michigan, receiving a Masters of Science degree.

Dr. Burkhardt has an appointment as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the University of Michigan Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry and also participates in giving continuing education programs through the Office of Continuing Dental Education in association with Drs. James McNamara and Patrick Nolan. He also maintains memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, the Michigan Dental Association, the Central District Dental Society, and the Michigan Association of Orthodontists. His research interests include clinical studies of the treatment effects produced by the Herbst and Pendulum appliances that are used in the correction of overbites. Dr. Burkhardt is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Burkhardt has recently served as the President of both the Central District Dental Society and the University of Michigan Orthodontic Alumni Association.

Dr. Burkhardt loves to play competitive basketball and sometimes is a reasonable golfer. He is married to his orthodontic partner, Dr. West, and they have two children. He and his family like to vacation in Northern Michigan and to visit Dr. West’s family in St. Louis.